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Flinders is Out of the Ordinary

Out of the Ordinary is a new Australian play premiering October 2016 at the Bakehouse Theatre Adelaide and it showcases a whole host of Flinders talent…

It’s written by Alumnus and now Drama Tutor Alex Vickery-Howe, directed by retired Drama Professor Joh Hartog and features both past and present Flinders University students!

Lauren Taylor had a chat with Robbie Greenwell, Steph Clapp and Jo Pugh about their experiences in putting the show together. Enjoy a sneak peek at the production!

Tell me about your character in Out of the Ordinary…

Lead actor, Steph Clapp

Steph: Theo’s pretty feisty. She butts heads with pretty much everyone she comes into contact with – her parents, her boyfriend, new acquaintances – but even so, it’s easy to understand why. She doesn’t want to strive for some unattainable dream because to her being the moment is enough. She’s also really good at maths.

Robbie Greenwell

Robbie: Wallace is a loveable loser – a sci-fi geek and internet troll with dreams of being a revolutionary political warrior. For him, trolling is a higher calling, a duty that he spends hours a day fulfilling, to fight the powers that be. When it comes to interacting with people though, he’s shy and a little awkward. Often he oversells himself to compensate for his perceived lack of masculinity, particularly with his girlfriend Theo, with whom he’s completely besotted.

Josephine Pugh

Josephine: My character is Babs, or Barbara Sprout, the mother of Theodora and wife of Jasper. At first glance she seems a long-suffering spouse, traipsing around after Jasper in his endless quest for meaning and artistic recognition; however, her cheery exterior belies her hidden strengths. Babs is the rock of this dysfunctional family.

What’s it been like working on the show?

Steph: It’s been awesome getting to know everyone! I hadn’t really met anyone (except the writer and director) before the show, so it’s been great to meet so many talented actors and fantastic people. Not having much previous experience means I’m learning heaps and Joh’s taken a lot of time to help me, which is really a testament to his patience and his teaching ability.

Behind the scenes of rehearsals

Robbie: It’s been great getting to work on an original play, as there’s a real sense of us discovering what the story is, how it works, feeling our way through it, for the first time. That discovery has been such a collaborative process as well, with both Joh and Alex open and eager for input from the actors. While rehearsals have been challenge for me, having sustained a knee injury prior to the show and undergone surgery, both cast and crew have been incredibly supportive whilst I’m recovering on crutches. Alex writes hilarious dialogue and his characters are larger than life, so exploring how far we can push it has made it a really playful experience.

BTS sneak peek

Josephine: The experience of being in this production has been an absolute pleasure for me. From the first read through to rehearsals, each part of this process has been exciting, with the bonus of working with a new script that has yet to be played. The director, writer, actors and design team are a talented group of professionals committed to this project, and being surrounded by them has enhanced my skills. Happily, everyone involved with the play has a great sense of humour – essential traits for this project!

How has Flinders helped you reach this point?

Steph: Without having done the Drama Workshop topics at Flinders I never would have met Alex and Joh. We did Emerald City by David Williamson, and I don’t think Joh would have remembered who I was if not for that!

Robbie: Doing my acting training at Flinders Drama Centre was an invaluable experience. Not only for the craft that it instilled in me but also the artistic community I was introduced to. There’s a very devoted, passionate community of artists working in Adelaide, many of whom have come through or have an association with Flinders. I’m incredibly fortunate that through being at Flinders, I was able to meet and talk with some of those who work in professional theatre, while also begin to build a network with my fellow acting graduates.

Josephine: I’m glad I took the risk in returning to tertiary study, and particularly to major in Drama, as the connections I have made through being a student here have been amazing. Although I am studying part-time, I have been encouraged by Flinders’ students and staff alike to persevere and take up new challenges as they arise. Perhaps more importantly, I can see ways in which I might explore other fields of study and work in the future. Who knows?

What do you love about the show? Why will audiences love it?

Steph: The script is really funny. I’ve read it more times than I can count and it still makes me laugh. It also asks questions that are important to anyone studying politics, the arts, or anyone who might end up in the public eye. You can’t sit through it without realigning your priorities and reminding you to enjoy each day for what it is.

Robbie: I love the show because each character deals with the pressures of society in different ways, which is something everyone can relate to.

Josephine: The play is funny, there’s no doubt about it! It pokes fun at people, art and biscuits. One of my favourite lines is, ‘Why isn’t he wearing any trousers?’ It will make you think and laugh, and you will be supporting local artists if you come to see the play. So please do!

The entire team would like to give a huge thank you to Flinders University! Not only have they endorsed the project and made it possible, they’ve also provided us with a weekend rehearsal space. Special thanks extended to Julian Meyrick, Diana Glenn and Maggie Ivanova for their continued guidance and support :)

Robbie Greenwell graduated from Flinders Drama Centre in 2015.Steph Clapp is currently completing Honours in Drama.Jo Pugh and Lauren Taylor are currently completing a Bachelor of Arts for High Achievers.